Contemporary Literature [pp. 563-580]

Contei,cmorary Litcrature..
Christian," by the same author, which was an excellent help to enter the
Christian way, and we join in the devout wish of the writer that this one
may lead many from the joy of beginning into " the glory of going on."
It is undoubtedly true that "some clear and definite religious teaching is
needed by those who have entered the church, as well as by those who seek
to enter it... It is important to know how to begin to be a Christian;
and it is equally important to know how to go on." Hence this little volume. The titles of the several chapters will show its scope: The Christian's Aim, The Christian's Calling, The Christian in the Church, The
Christian as a Witness,The Christian in Business, The Christian in Society,
The Christian's Quiet Life.
Our Theological Century.' A Contributtion to the History of Theology in
the United States. By JOHN F. HURST, D.D. New York: A. D. F. Randolph
& Co., I877. This essay was originally prepared for public delivery, and was
so used on several occasions. It has been revised and enlarged, and is now
given to the public in its present fixed form. Dr. Hurst is too well known
as a writer to need commendation from us. This contribution to the history
of American theology covers considerable ground, and presents the theological conditions of the beginning of our national era, the American development of theological thought, theological results, and present theological
necessities. It is, of course, only an outline, and is popular in form. Still
it contains much that is worth reading and pondering. "Adherence to pure
Christian doctrine, and growth in that doctrine-these have been the forces
of our highest and purest national life." The author claims a very high
place for American writers and thinkers in the theological field, and thinks
before "another generation shall pass away we shall see the new phenomena
of European masters in theology referring the young men who are to succeed them to the productions of the American theological mind; and a little
laters the still greater phenomena of German and British aspirants for excellence in theology coming to this country, as the early theological students.
to vigorous young Alexandria and Corinth, for the completion of their
studies at these sources of advancing doctrinal thought."
The Children of Light, by Rev. WM. W. FARIS. Boston: Roberts
Brothers, I877. I2mo, pp. 3I2. The Hon. Richard Fletcher, LL.D.,
of Boston, made Dartmouth College his residuary legatee, and provided for
a special fund to be under the care of the trustees of said college, from the
avails of which they are to offer biennially a prize of $500oo for the best
essay on the subject indicated in the following extract from his will:
"In view of the numerous and powerful influences constantly active in drawing
professed Christians into fatal conformity with the world, both in spirit and practice;
in view also of the lamentable and amazing fact that Christianity exerts so little
practical influence, even in countries nominally Christian, it has seemed to me that
some good might be done by making permanent provision for obtaining and publishing once in two years a prize essay, setting forth truths and reasonings calculated
I 877.]
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